Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What phase of a plant's life cycle is characterized by the development of haploid spores?

1. Gametophyte generation

2. Sporophyte generation

3. Flowering generation

4. Vegetative generation

The correct answer is: Sporophyte generation

The phase of a plant's life cycle that is characterized by the development of haploid spores is the sporophyte generation. During this phase, the plant undergoes meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid spores. These spores can then germinate and develop into the gametophyte generation, which produces gametes (sperms and eggs). While the gametophyte generation is associated with the production of gametes rather than spores, the flowering generation specifically pertains to the reproductive phase of angiosperms, which bifurcates into the sporophyte and gametophyte phases. The vegetative generation refers to the growth stage of the plant where it develops roots, stems, and leaves, and does not directly involve spore production. Thus, the definition and processes of spore development clearly align with what occurs during the sporophyte generation.